| The SilverCollect Newsletter #5 July, 2003 |
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In this issue.....
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1. Welcome
2. Mid-Century Modern Stainless Design - Quistgaard & More
3. Featured Pattern - 1932 Craftsman, Sterling Silver by Towle
4. Accents - Coordinating Finds at TIAS.com
5. Investing in Silver by John Leckrone
6. Helpful Resources
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Welcome to SilverCollect! published by Bay-dreamer Silver. This month we are taking a slight detour off the beaten silver path to feature a few "mid-century modern" or "vintage modern" stainless flatware patterns. We are pleased to present a submitted article from antique dealer, John Leckrone, and have also included some great and interesting finds from several dealers.
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Mid-Century Modern Stainless Design
Few of us today think of revolutionary design with regard to flatware, particularly with stainless steel. Nevertheless, designers of the 1950s revolutionized flatware design with elegant and precise forms using stainless steel. Prior to this time, silver flatware manufacturers played no role in the new development of eating utensils. Consumers were provided with new patterns to collect but the forms were unchanged.
Through experimentation of basic forms, production technique and analyzing the eating process, craftsmen redefined tabletop. Many designers recognized that eating utensils had been made to hold in only one way so they designed different shapes to allow one to hold it in more comfortable and functional ways. Some designers saw no need to shape the knife handle in the same form as the other pieces of a pattern. After all, the knife is held in a different manner when in use. The shapes have a visual effect of light reflections giving life and warmth to the otherwise cold, dead steel. These designers proved that stainless flatware could be beautiful as well as useful.
At age 35, Jens H. Quistgaard won a design competition in Copenhagen with a hand-forged knife, fork and spoon. The design was simple yet elegant with teakwood handles. Despite its simplicity, manufacturers told Quistgaard that his design was too difficult to manufacture. While visiting Denmark, New York entrepreneur Ted Nieremberg saw the design and convinced Quistgaard to let him try with manufacturing sources he knew. Nieremberg contacted Dansk and the Fjord pattern was born.
Nieremberg encountered no difficulty with selling the pattern as retailers were eager to place orders for Fjord. The pattern was a huge success and manufactured for 30 years. Prior to its discontinuation in 1984, Fjord retailed for $100 per place setting.
Quistgaard designed a number of patterns for Dansk and many examples are in permanent collections at the Louvre, the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In addition to the desirable pure elegance of the forms combined with artistic innovation, Dansk designs are easily mixed and matched making them among the favorites with collectors.
Examples of QUISTGAARD DESIGNS:
Fjord
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915892.html
Kobenhavn
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915343.html
Thistle
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915908.html
Parallel Diamond
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921530145.html
Examples from OTHER DESIGNERS:
Tanaquil by Georg Jensen Silver, Designer Magnus Stephensen
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915374.html
Ensemble by Dansk Silver, Designer Gunnar Cyren
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915371.html
SPLAYD
Among our favorite designs is this 1946 invention. This is a single-handed fork and spoon with an edge capable of cutting (all three utensils in one!) designed by William McArthur of Australia.
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921915913.html
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Featured Pattern
1932 Craftsman
This sterling silver pattern was designed in 1932 by Harold E. Nock for Towle Silversmiths. It features a simplistic design with a chiseled border and a graceful downward curve at the end of handle. Listed below are a few of our estate silver pieces in this pattern, with no monogram and no monogram removal.
5 pc. Place Settings (4 available)
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921529962.html
Table Serving Spoons
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921529967.html
Gravy Ladle
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921529980.html
Bon Bon
http://pages.baydreamersilver.com/9032/PictPage/1921530082.html
More available by searching TIAS for "Craftsman"
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Accents - Coordinating Finds at TIAS.com
Here are just a few mid-century modern antiques and collectibles available at various TIAS stores:
Lucite and Chrome Bar Tool Set
http://pages.tias.com/8977/PictPage/1921657946.html
Russel Wright - Iroquois Skillet with Lid
http://pages.tias.com/995/PictPage/1920700817.html
Tripod Vanity Lamp with Silk Shade
http://pages.tias.com/8977/PictPage/1921552950.html
Book: Mid-Century Modern Dinnerware - Collector's Guide
http://pages.tias.com/120/PictPage/1921711557.html
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Investing In Silver by John Leckrone
Investors come in all shapes and sizes. Some investors purchase stocks and bonds. Others buy real estate. An investment is anything that maintains its value and (hopefully) increases in value over time. For the typical family, their home is their biggest investment.
Then there are those of us bitten by the "collector" bug. Our investments/collections/hoards are not just items or junk, they are a real part of our lives. Our collections tell people what we like and in many ways define who we are (sad but true).
It is amazing what a lifetime collection can look like and how valuable it can become over the years.
Antiques make wonderful investments and I consider them to be safer than stocks, bonds and even real estate. In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit to being an antique dealer so obviously my opinion might be considered biased by some. Over a person's lifetime personal property and collections are often valued at significantly more than even a personal residence. In a nutshell all collections have some kind of value. Now the question is, "Does my personal collection have value?" If you invest in quality antiques, I am fairly confident that it does.
Antique sterling silver is my favorite personal investment. Estate sterling is more reasonable than ever and it has never been easier to own a beautiful set of flatware or some fabulous piece of holloware. Prices have come way down with the onset of the internet and consumers are benefiting from it. Unlike stocks or bonds, we can use our silver on a daily basis and actually ENJOY the experience of owning it. We can appreciate the beauty of our families silver each and every time we sit down to eat. It really does not matter if the pattern is all the same or if patterns are mixed. As long as you like it that is all that matters. Additionally, we can build our personal silver collection a few pieces at a time so investing in estate silver can fit into anyone's budget.
In all human history, economies suffer from the ravages of inflation. Where do people run in these trying times to protect themselves? To precious metals EVERY SINGLE TIME. Gold and silver are the two leaders in this area. So whether you want to protect your wealth or just enjoy owning and using something of real beauty, estate sterling silver makes a wonderful investment that your family and guests can enjoy at each and every meal. Additionally, it still is desired by new brides and makes a great gift for any occasion.
While I am not an investment advisor, I consider silver to be a very "safe" investment and one I would consider to be an important part of any family's personal property. Besides, eating in style is an investment in yourself. Happy hunting and enjoy your silver!
John Leckrone is an antique dealer specializing in antique and estate sterling silver and silverplate flatware and holloware. His web sites are at:
http://www.hopkinsvilleantiques.com and
http://www.tias.com/stores/buriedtreasures. He also moderates a forum on silver which you are welcome to join in at any time by clicking here: http://www.auctionbytes.com/forum/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=32
If you have a question you would like answered here; wish to share silver collecting information; or tell us about a great find, please contact baydreamer@tias.com
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Helpful Resources For Collectors
To learn more about silver, visit these web sites:
The Society of American Silversmiths at
http://www.silversmithing.com
Silver Magazine at
http://www.silvermag.com
Many good silver reference books are available in the collecting section of your local book store or library.
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Thanks for reading. Feel free to forward this to a friend. To subscribe to this newsletter go to: http://www.tias.com/newsletter/silvercollect
Please note that items submitted for publication may be edited. For questions or comments, you can reach us at: Baydreamer@TIAS.com ©1995-2003 TIAS.com Inc. |
